Evidence Sought Of Misconduct

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30168, 27 June 1963, Page 18

Evidence Sought Of Misconduct

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 26. The Minister of Health (Mr McKay) today invited any person holding tangible evidence of “improprieties of any description" concerning the conduct of officers in menial institutions, to submit full details to him so that lie could institute immediate inquiries.

He was replying to an urgent question in the House of Representatives concerning a published report of misconduct by a certain officer at the Cherry Farm institution near Dunedin. Submitting the question, Mr E. P. Aderman (Government. New Plymouth) asked what action had the Minister taken on these allegations or what action did he propose to take

Mr McKay said an informal inquiry concerning the conduct of the officer referred to in the article was held in June. 1962. by a senior inspector of the Public Service Commission and the Director of the Division of Mental Health. No evidence to support the insinuations was found.

Mr McKay said later similar allegations were made by a junior member of the staff A barrister was appointed in terms of section 72 of the Mental -Health Act. 1911, to

conduct a formal and independent inquiry at which all evidence was heard on oa:h. Tile findings showed that there was no improper conduct by the member of the staff and that the allegations were not confirmed by the

evidence. Mr McKay said the Medical Superintendent of the hospital concerned and the department had taken all proper steps to deal with the complaint and to arrange for its full investigation.

He said the appointment of the complainant employee was annulled because of his general unsuitability. This was quite unrelated to the two inquiries.

McMurdo’s Low Temperature.—A record low temperature for May was experienced at the main United States base in the Antarctic on May 9, when the thermometer dropped to minus 43 degrees. Records held there indicate that this was the coldest May in the last seven years. At the Amundsen-Scott South Pole station a temperature of minus 59 degrees was recorded during the month.